Nathan Dick, a senior quarterback who guided Billings Senior to the Class AA football state championship, was named 2016-17 Gatorade Montana Football Player of the Year.
The award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishing Dick as Montana’s best high school football player.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior quarterback passed for 2,639 yards and 34 touchdowns this past season, leading the Broncs to a perfect 13-0 record and the Class AA state championship. Dick completed 187 of 271 passes and was intercepted just three times. He also ran for 1,222 yards and 19 touchdowns on 153 carries. Dick was named the Class AA Offensive MVP each of the last two seasons.
Dick has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics, a homeless shelter and an elementary school reading initiative.
“Nate Dick is so special with the football in his hands,” said Arie Grey, head coach at Butte High. “He has great vision, and if you give him a chance to run, he’ll run all over you. He’s one of the most dynamic kids I’ve seen, and he’s a tremendous competitor, day in and day out.”
Dick remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.